Introduction
Everybody knows Pink Floyd. Whether it be hearing their songs on the radio, the famous triangular prism or having ‘Wish You Were Here’ in your breakup playlist, Pink Floyd were undeniably the most influential rock band from the 70s. So, when I was told that we’d be able to choose any artist we like to analyse, Pink Floyd were one of my top choices from the get-go. From their elaborate concept albums, deep lyrics covering many important subjects, and innovative live performances, Pink Floyd has always been distinguishable from the rest. The song I have chosen to analyse is ‘Us and them’ off their album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (1973). I picked this song because something about it has always resonated with me. Maybe not the lyrics specifically, but the themes of separation and alienation present in the lyrics and instrumentation speak to me in a particular way. It has been one of my favourites for many reasons, and so I hope by the end of this you’ll understand why.
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About 'Us and Them'- Instrumentation and Structure
Now for the good stuff. ‘Us and Them’. An ethereal masterpiece, like I swear I started levitating off my bed first time I heard it. It begins by finishing off the previous song, ‘Money’ with a seamless transition leading in. All the songs off 'The Dark Side of the Moon' fade into each other, since the album is (considered to be) a concept album. The song is introduced by some beautiful organ harmonies, before the drums and guitar gently come in with the main progression. This is then followed by the most hypnotizing saxophone riff you’ll ever hear. Amazing stuff. This sets the tone for the song- calm, peaceful, relaxing yet very clearly refined to shape that atmosphere.
The chords follow a chromatic walk-down at the end of the verse, landing on the first chord of the chorus in a satisfying descent. The chorus in itself is quite reminiscent with war, coming in almost like an explosion of instruments in a crescendo that far different from the verse. “‘Forward!’ he cried, from the rear, and the front rank died.” This line to me is a perfect summary of the war themes in the song. The loud dynamics, chorus of backing vocals, constant drum fills, and subtle saxophone notes in the background all come together to create an almost chaotic sound. This is then pulled back for the second verse, and the pattern repeats. After the second chorus, a short piano solo with spoken dialogue by Roger ‘The Hat’ Manifold plays, followed by a saxaphone solo.
The vocals in the song also utilise one of my personal favourite effects- delay. The echo emphasising contrasting words (i.e. "Us/Them", "Me/You", "Up/Down") creates an effect almost like standing in an empty room and letting your words bounce off the walls and back around to you. It's not a massive thing, but it's just a little detail about the vocals and lyrics in the song that I love.
Themes and Messages in the Lyrics
The song conveys a clear theme of war, prejudice and the separation of people, despite us all being the species. This is outlined in the lyrics, “Us, and them. And after all, were only ordinary men”, “Black, and blue. And who knows which is which? And who is who?”. Juxtaposition is commonly used in the lyrics, pushing the themes of separation. As Roger Waters (lyricist and co-lead vocalist of Pink Floyd) said in an interview: “The first verse is about going to war, how on the front line we don't get much chance to communicate with one another because someone else has decided that we shouldn't.”
Analysing the Music Video
Not much really happens in the beginning of the music video for ‘Us and Them’. It uses wide shots and bird's-eye view to display many landmarks. This can be seen at around 2:12, where the camera moves along the side of the Queensboro Bridge in New York and eventually pans out to show most of the bridge (mention shots of new York). Most of the video shows mid shots of a large group of people walking along Blackfriars Bridge in London. I don’t really get why they’re walking so solemnly. My original theory was that them walking in unison could represent everybody being equal. However, everyone pictured appears to be a white male, so I’m not entirely sure. But then, the song was recorded in 1972, so I don’t know how diverse they could afford to be. Either way, this group of people seem to be walking off somewhere, whether it be to war or their demise I couldn’t infer.
During the instrumental/spoken part of the song (starting around 4:37), the scene changes. An underwater-looking shot with books and other items floating around is disrupted by explosions, perhaps symbolising how war can affect many aspects of everyday life (like education and peace).
The end section of the music video showcases many important politicians/people in power, along with some animations depicting a communist bunny and a naked woman in on of their jackets. This shows the bad intentions a government can have.
Why You Should Listen to Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd has been a massive influence on music as a whole, creating the foundations for many more artists and bands to come. They have tackled many different topics across their discography including war, oppression and insanity, and with such broad subjects come many different styles. My personal favourite album of theirs will always be ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, however ‘The Wall’, ‘Wish You Were Here’ and ‘Animals’ are also notable mentions. Honestly though, there’s nothing like laying on your bed, headphones in, getting lost in the complex melodies of Dark Side. Just letting yourself sink into the music and truly feel it rather than just hear it with your ears. And even though this entry was supposed to just be about ‘Us and Them’, whenever I talk about a song it’s always within the context of the album it’s from. So, with that, I hope that you’ll consider taking a mere 42 minutes and 49 seconds out of your day to listen to this album if you haven’t already, and maybe it’ll speak to you like it did to me.
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